The Australian wilderness or the “Bush” as it is sometimes called is one of the most dangerous but beautiful ecosystems in the world. The Australian continent is also the smallest and most diverse in the world.
Australia is one of the only countries that have both snowy and desert areas. This makes the Australian wilderness very unpredictable and dangerous. So if you are going to go for a hike or a camping trip in the Australian bush, you should be as prepared as possible. Here are some essential tips for trekking in the Australian bush.
Know the Lay of the Land
Before you go out into the Australian wilderness, it is imperative that you know your way around the area. Remember that the Australian bush is a huge place, and it is very easy to get lost if you don’t know where you are going.
So days before you go out on your camping trip, you should make sure that you plot out every landmark and trail that you are going to pass through. Research the most used paths and trails in the area, and follow these directions religiously. Going through the Australian bush may seem like a great adventure, however, it could become a nightmare very fast if you don’t know your way around the area.
Have Ample Supplies With You
The Australian bush is a very unpredictable place, and if you are going to traverse the area it might take you a good amount of time. The long treks will also have you burning through a lot of calories, so you should make sure that you have high-calorie foods at the ready.
By having these supplies on hand, you will be able to keep up your strength throughout your trek. It is best to avoid heavy supplies such as canned foods because they could weigh you down throughout your trek.
Instead, it is better if you bring foods such as trail mix, protein bars, and beef jerky. They are not only packed with protein and carbohydrates, but they are also easy to eat on the go. They are also capable of lasting for long periods of time without refrigeration.
Bring Survival Gear
When it comes to trekking through the Australian bush, you should be as prepared as possible. It is dangerous terrain, and if you are lacking in your gear you might get into a lot of trouble. So it is imperative that you bring the right gear with you. First and foremost, you should wear adequate clothing for the trek. If you are trekking during the colder months, it is best that you bring thicker gear. On the other hand, if you trek in the summer, then you should wear lighter and looser clothes.
It is also important that you bring the right hiking shoes as well because you will be relying on them the most. If you are going to purchase hiking shoes, it is best that you buy good quality ones. They should be waterproof and provide ankle and heel support. It could be tempting to buy your hiking shoes cheap, however, you will do yourself a great disservice if you do.
Aside from your shoes, yet another important piece of gear you should have with you is adequate eyewear. Remember that the Australian bush could get windy all of a sudden, and if you don’t protect your eyes, you might get blinded in the process. Companies such as Fetop create military-grade goggles that not only protect your eyes from the glare of the sun but debris and dust as well. Bringing so much gear might seem like a pain, however, it is better to be prepared for any type of situation.
Build an Adequate Shelter
If you want to traverse the Australian bush safely you should be able to build a shelter properly. Remember that the Australian wilderness is very unpredictable. So you should learn to build the right shelter. You could bring a tent with you, however, it should be durable enough to last through the harsh Australian winds.
It is also a good idea to learn how to build a shelter out of scratch. This does not mean that you should build a full-size cabin of course. This takes too much time and effort. Instead, you should learn how to build temporary shelters such as a makeshift hut or tent out of reeds and tree branches.
Inform People of Your trip
The Australian bush is notoriously dangerous even for experienced trekkers. So before you go on your trip, it is important that you inform family and friends first. Tell them exactly where you are going, and how long your trip will last. So if you don’t come home on this specific date and time, then at least your family and friends could take the necessary steps to look for you.
Learn How to Build A Fire
If there is one skill that is essential to your survival in the Australian bush, it is how to start a fire. Fire will not only keep you warm, but it will also help you cook your food. It could even help you keep wild animals away, and signal for help.
So it is essential that you know how to build an adequate fire. You could bring a fire starting kit, however, it is also important that you know how to start a fire with old tools such as flints. That way should your fire starting kit fail, you will still have the ability to start a fire.
Conclusion
The Australian continent is a beautiful and unpredictable one. So if you are thinking of going on a camping trip in the Australian wilderness, or the “Bush” as it is sometimes called, then you should be as prepared as possible. With these tips, you will be able to traverse the Australian bush without fear.
